Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba has assumed leadership as the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
This follows the elevation of former CAC Babatunde Olomu to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) after his appointment was approved by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) a few days ago.
In his remarks during the official handover on Monday, Comptroller Oshoba expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for the privilege and responsibility entrusted to him.
He said: “It is with deep humility and a strong sense of duty that I stand before you today to assume the mantle of leadership as the Customs Area Controller of Nigeria’s premier port and the heartbeat of Nigeria’s maritime trade.
“First and foremost, I want to extend my profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR FNIPR FNIIA DSM PSC (+), and the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting me with this strategic responsibility. I assure you of my utmost commitment to justify the confidence reposed in me.”
Oshoba equally commended ACG Olomu for the successes recorded under his leadership, saying: “I also wish to pay glowing tribute to my predecessor, whose tenure here has been nothing short of historic. Under his leadership, the Apapa Command became a benchmark for excellence in revenue generation, enforcement, and trade facilitation. Kudos to Assistant Comptroller-General (Dr) Babatunde Olomu fsi for this, sir.”
He noted that the foundation of his service would be built on the ideas, passion, and expertise of the Command’s officers and stakeholders, while reiterating his commitment to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
The new Apapa Customs boss disclosed that his leadership would be guided by three key pillars, including improving revenue excellence, deepening enforcement and security, and enhancing stakeholder relations.
On Improving revenue excellence, he assured that the Command will build on the foundation laid by his predecessor to ensure consistent growth in collections through transparency, accountability, a collective approach and efficiency.
Regarding deepening enforcement and security, the Comptroller stated that intelligence will remain at the heart of the Command’s operations, emphasising that the Command will close gaps, detect concealments, and intercept prohibited goods before they harm Nigeria’s economy and the people.
With reference to enhancing stakeholder relations, he affirmed the importance of port community partnership, adding that the Command will continue to strengthen trust with importers, exporters, clearing agents, shipping companies, and sister agencies — knowing that trade facilitation and compliance are two sides of the same coin.
He continued: “Please, indulge me today. I have demands to make from everyone in this room, including officers and stakeholders who couldn’t make it here physically due to the exigencies of work, space, and time constraints. I want to request that we renew our dedication and our shared vision for excellence. I solicit for maximum support from every one of you.
“The Service is currently at a crucial phase in its ICT and modernization drive, marking a very significant turning point in its drive to evolve. The world is changing rapidly, and with change comes opportunities. Together, we will build on the gains of our indigenous platform (B’Odogwu) and cause our workplace to evolve into an ecosystem of rapid innovation and excellence. I ask for your continued support to push the Unified Customs Management System to greater heights.
“The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), Advanced Ruling (AR) and other trade facilitation programmes, which put NCS ahead of its peers’ Customs administration in Africa, will be the cornerstone of my leadership approach.
“As Nigeria has produced the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, we are a country of interest in the global Customs community, so let us portray a leading example by upholding the principles of compliance and ensuring unwavering adherence to all legal frameworks governing import, export and excise operations.”
He added: “I believe in the power of collaboration. No one succeeds alone, and I am here to work alongside you—not just as a leader, but as a partner in our shared mission. We will face challenges, but we will tackle them together, with resilience and determination. We will also celebrate our successes together, because every milestone we achieve will be a testament to our collective hard work and commitment.
“Together, let us consolidate the gains, embrace innovation as we collectively write the next chapter of legacy for Apapa Command and the Nigeria Customs Service at large.”
